He was born Aug. 5, 1922, in Pine Bluff to Oscar D. and Sarah Frances Middleton Harris. He moved to Russellville with his family in the winter of 1972 from the Watson Chapel area. He was the mayor of Norristown from 1977-78, prior to annexation into Russellville and served as mayor of Russellville from 1991-94. While mayor of Russellville, his progressive thinking was instrumental in much of the growth we see today. He worked in Entergy’s Russellville office as district superintendent from 1973-86, and retired from Entergy after 45 years. He was a member of the Russellville Lions Club, where he served as club president from 1981-82 and was Lion of the Year in 1987. He served as Justice of the Peace for four years and was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a past teacher and superintendent of young adults, served on the building committee in 1977, when the educational building was built. He was a former president of Kilowatt Credit Union and Arkansas Credit Union, was former international director of Credit Union Movement, was the charter president of the Lion’s Club at Watson Chapel, served six years on the Watson Chapel School Board from 1966-72 and was a charter member of the Watson Chapel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Saundra Hope.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Evelyn Harris of Russellville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Linda Harris of Tulsa, Okla., and Ron and Vikki Harris of North Little Rock; a daughter, Sharon Harris of Maumelle; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nephew, Michael Watson of Plano, Texas; niece, Carol Barr of Russellville; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at First Baptist Church with the Revs. Stephen Davis and Tom Walker officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.